Modular bed system

ABSTRACT

A patient support including a deck having a moveable head section and one or more inflatable mattresses. The inflatable mattresses can position a patient in a Trendelenburg position, a reverse Trendelenburg position, or a knee gatch position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/591,039 titled “Modular Bed System” to Hornbach,the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a patient support such as a hospitalbed. Some hospital beds include movable deck sections that articulate toposition a patient in the Trendelenburg, Reverse Trendelenburg, and kneegatch positions. The present disclosure describes an inflatable mattressthat can position a patient in the Trendelenburg, Reverse Trendelenburg,and knee gatch positions.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provideda patient support configured to support a patient. The support includesa frame, a deck supported by the frame, and a mattress supported by thedeck, the mattress including a plurality of inflatable bladders, thebladders configured to support the patient in one of a horizontalposition and a Trendelenburg position.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda patient support including a frame, a deck supported by the frame, amattress including a plurality of inflatable bladders, an inflatorconfigured to selectively inflate at least one of the plurality ofinflatable bladders, and a controller. The controller is configured tocontrol the inflator to inflate at least one of the plurality ofinflatable bladders to configure the mattress in one of a Trendelenburgposition, a Reverse-Trendelenburg position, a flat position, and a kneegatch position.

A further aspect of the present invention includes an inflatablemattress configured to support a patient. The inflatable mattressincludes at least one inflatable cell configured to support the patientin one of a horizontal position and a Trendelenburg position, and acontroller coupled to an inflator and at least one control valve, thecontroller configured to receive input from a user and control theinflator and the control valve to inflate or deflate the inflatable cellto position the patient in one of the horizontal position and theTrendelenburg position.

The present invention also includes a modular patient support systemconfigured to support a patient in various acuity environments. Thesystem includes a frame, a deck supported by the frame, the only movabledeck section being a head section moveable between a raised position anda lowered position relative to the remainder of the deck, and aplurality of mattresses. One mattress is selected for use on the deckdepending on an acuity level of the patient wherein the mattress beingselected is selected from a group of mattresses including a first staticmattress, a second mattress including a plurality of inflatablebladders, the bladders being configured to provide selective elevationof the patient's thigh, a third mattress including a plurality ofinflatable bladders, the bladders being configured to provide selectiveelevation of the patient's thigh and to selectively position the patientin a Trendelenburg position, and a fourth mattress including a pluralityof inflatable bladders, the bladders configured to provide selectiveelevation of the patient's thigh, and to selectively position thepatient in a Trendelenburg position and a reverse Trendelenburgposition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of a patientsupport;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the patient support of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatical view of another embodiment of a patientsupport with an inflatable mattress;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatical side view of another embodiment of a patientsupport with an inflatable mattress;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatical side view of yet another embodiment of apatient support with an inflatable mattress;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis ofone embodiment of an inflatable mattress;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis ofanother embodiment of an inflatable mattress; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic of a control system for one embodiment of aninflatable mattress.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIG. 1, a patient support 10 including a foot end 7, a headend 8, a lower frame 12, an upper frame 14, a mattress 16, and siderails20 is shown. Mattress 16 includes a plurality of inflatable bladders 18which can be inflated and deflated to change the shape of mattress 16and provide optimum patient comfort. As shown in FIG. 2, patient support10 includes supports 26 coupled between lower frame 12 and upper frame14 that allow upper frame 14 to be raised and lowered relative to lowerframe 12. A deck section 24 is supported by upper frame 14. Deck Section24 includes a head section 22 that can be positioned substantially flatas shown in FIG. 1 or can be raised to an inclined position relative tothe remainder of deck section 24 as shown in FIG. 2. A controller (notshown) including controls for raising and lowering upper frame 14 andraising and head section 22 may be included in siderails 20 or as aseparate pendant controller.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 3. Patientsupport 10′ includes a mattress 16′ that includes a plurality ofinflatable bladders 18′. Bladders 18′ are coupled to control valves thatare actuated by a controller, which are described below, to provideoptimum patient comfort when the patient is lying on mattress 16′.Mattress 16′ also includes a series of bladders 19′ which are configuredto inflate below a patient's lower leg section or knees to raise thepatient's legs. Patient support 10′ includes a control system thatincludes a knee gatch function that can be automatically actuated whenhead section 22 is elevated by the patient of caregiver. When headsection 22 is elevated the controller acts to inflate bladders 19′. Ashead section 22 is elevated to an inclined position, bladders 19′inflate to raise the patient's knees to prevent the patient from slidingtoward foot end 7 of patient support 10′. Bladders 19′ may also becontrolled separately to be inflated or deflated when head section 22 isin the flat position. In another embodiment, only those bladders 19′located under a patient's knee are inflated to provide a knee gatch atthe desired time. In this embodiment, the patient's feet are locatedbelow his knees in the knee gatch position.

It should be noted that mattress 16′ may be formed of a singleinflatable bladder 18′ or of multiple inflatable bladders eithercollectively controlled or individually controlled. In anotherembodiment, inflatable mattress 16′ and bladders 18′ could also includefeatures such as sequenced inflation/deflation to prevent decubitusulcers, heel pressure relief, turn-assist, extendable length, low airloss therapy, rotation therapy, vibration therapy, and/or percussiontherapy which are explained in U.S. Pat. No. 6,584,628, which isexpressly incorporated by reference herein.

As shown in FIG. 4, another embodiment of patient support 10″ includes amattress 16″. Mattress 16″ includes a plurality of bladders 18″ whichcan be inflated to position the patient in the Reverse Trendelenburgposition as shown in FIG. 4. Bladders 18″ can be inflated to positionthe patient in a flat orientation or may be inflated or deflated toposition the patient in the Reverse Trendelenburg position. The bladders18″ located toward head end 8 of patient support 10″ may be larger thanthe bladders located toward foot end 7. In an alternative embodiment,several layers of bladders are present at head end 8 of patient support10″ which can be inflated to provide the incline. In another alternativeembodiment, mattress 16″ could also include the knee gatch functiondiscussed above as well as the additional features described above. Itshould be noted that mattress 16″ may include a single inflatablebladder or could include multiple inflatable bladders to perform theReverse Trendelenburg function. If multiple bladders 18″ are used, theymay be selectively controlled or collectively controlled by a controllerwhich can be actuated by the patient or a caregiver.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 5. Asshown in FIG. 5, patient support 10′″ includes a mattress 16′″ having aplurality of inflatable bladders 18″′ which can be inflated to positionthe patient in the Trendelenburg position. Bladders 18′″ can be inflatedand/or deflated to raise the lower section of the patient and lower thehead section of the patient. The bladders 18′″ located toward foot end 7of patient support 10′″ may be larger or contain a larger volume thanthe bladders located on head end 8 of mattress 16′″ may include layersof bladders which can be selectively inflated to produce the desiredangle of inclination or declination. In an alternative embodiment,mattress 16′″ may also include the Reverse Trendelenburg function and/orthe knee gatch function as well as the additional features describedabove. Bladders 18′″ may be selectively controlled or collectivelycontrolled by a controller operated by the patient or a caregiver. Itshould be noted that mattress 16′″ may include a plurality of airbladders 18′″ or could be composed of a single air bladder.

Another embodiment of mattress 16 is shown in cross-section in FIG. 6.Mattress 40 includes an outer portion 42 configured to receive aplurality of inflatable bladders 44, 46. Upper section 44 rests on topof bladders 46 and supports the patient. Outer portion 42 rests on upperdeck 24 of patient support 10. Outer portion 42 may be made of asemi-rigid material such as foam or a rigid material such as plastic.Outer portion 42 may be formed from one piece of material or may includeseveral sections such as a base section and side sections. Outer portion42 may include only a pair of vertical side sections on the head end 45and foot end 47 of mattress 40 or may include four vertical sidesections to fully surround bladders 44, 46.

Upper section 44 is illustratively constructed of a semi-rigid materialsuch as foam, rubber, or any other suitable material. Inflatablebladders 44 are substantially similar to inflatable bladders 18 whichwere discussed above. Bladders 46 are selectively inflated and deflatedto position the upper section 44 in the Trendelenburg, ReverseTrendelenburg, or horizontal position. Bladders 46 can be arranged inany formation such as staggered, directly above one another, or anyother suitable formation to adjust the angle of inclination ordeclination of upper section 44. It should be noted that mattress 40could include a single bladder 46 or a plurality of bladders 46.Mattress 40 may include bladders of the same size or may containbladders having different sizes or capacities. Bladders 46 can either beselectively controlled or collectively controlled by a control system.In addition to positioning the patient in the Trendelenburg, ReverseTrendelenburg, or horizontal positions, the pressure in bladders 40 canalso be controlled to provide optimum patient comfort, heel pressurerelief, rotation therapy, percussion therapy, and vibration therapy. Anoptional cover (not shown) can be placed around the components ofmattress 40. In an alternative embodiment of mattress 40, a layer ofinflatable bladders or foam is positioned on upper section 44 to providesupport for the patient. In this embodiment, upper section 44 could becomposed of a semi-rigid material or a rigid material such as plastic.

Another alternative embodiment of mattress 16 is shown in cross-sectionin FIG. 7. Mattress 50 is substantially similar to mattress 40 shown inFIG. 6 with the exception that upper section 44 has been replaced withadditional inflatable bladders. Mattress 50 includes a plurality ofinflatable bladders 56 enclosed by an outer portion 52 similar to outerportion 42. The top layer of bladders 56 directly supports the patient.Bladders 56 can be inflated or deflated to position the patient in theTrendelenburg, Reverse Trendelenburg, knee gatch, or horizontalposition. Bladders 56 can either be selectively controlled orcollectively controlled by a control system. An optional cover (notshown) can be placed around the components of mattress 50.

Referring to FIG. 8, a control system 59 for the mattresses discussedabove is shown. Controller 60 is coupled to an air supply 62 such as ablower or compressor and control valves 64. Air supply 62, is coupled tocontrol valves 64. Valves 64 are coupled to the inflatable bladders 18′(for example) and also include an exhaust to the atmosphere 66.Controller 60 can be a pendant controller, a siderail controller, or anyother suitable controller utilized by the patient or a caregiver.Controller 60 includes at least one input switch or button configured tocontrol air supply 62 and control valves 64. Control valves 64 can beactuated to allow air to pass from air supply 62 to bladders 18′ or toallow air from bladders 18′ to exhaust to the atmosphere to deflatebladders 18′. Controller 60 can selectively inflate or deflate any oneof the plurality of inflatable bladders to achieve the desired mattressfunction.

In an illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the modular bedsystem uses a relatively simple bed frame that has only two functions.These functions include a head section movable from a flat orientationto an elevated orientation as shown in FIGS. 1-3. Also as discussedabove, the bed frame includes a hi/lo mechanism for raising and loweringthe frame relative to the ground. Several different mattress options areprovided with this simplified bed frame. A first embodiment includes astatic foam mattress. A second embodiment includes a mattress havingbladders configured to achieve a thigh or knee gatch function asdiscussed above. A third embodiment includes a mattress having bladdersthat provide the Trendelenburg, and thigh (knee gatch) functions. Afourth embodiment includes a mattress having bladders configured toprovide the Trendelenburg, reverse Trendelenburg and thigh (knee gatch)functions discussed above.

By providing a simplified frame with various mattress combinations, themodular bed system is easily upgradeable. This provides a cost effectiveframe for low acuity levels such as home care or international. Thesystem is upgradeable to be used in different acuity environments.Therefore, the modular bed system can be used for home care,international care, with the simple bed frame and static foam mattress.For a low end long term care bed, the simple frame is used with amattress having only the thigh function. For a high end long term carebed, the mattress may include the thigh function along with theTrendelenburg function. For a low end Med-Surg bed, the frame is usedwith a fully functional mattress for Trendelenburg, reverseTrendelenburg, and thigh functions.

In certain instances, other mattresses such as those disclosed in, forexample, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,667,075; 6,012,186; 3,879,772; 4,527,298;4,839,932; 3,781,928; 3,606,623; and 4,142,263 may be used to performcertain features or for movement of portions of the mattresses. Allthese listed patents are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

Although specific illustrated embodiments of the invention have beendisclosed, it is understood by those skilled in the art that changes inform and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention. The present invention is not limited to the specificdetails disclosed herein, but is to be defined by the appended claims.

1. A patient support configured to support a patient comprising: aframe; a deck supported by the frame; and a mattress supported by thedeck, the mattress including a plurality of inflatable bladders, thebladders configured to support the patient in one of a horizontalposition and a Trendelenburg position.
 2. The patient support of claim1, wherein the deck includes a head section moveable between a raisedposition and a lowered position relative to the frame.
 3. The patientsupport of claim 1, wherein the plurality of bladders are furtherconfigured to support the patient in one of a Reverse-Trendelenburgposition, the Trendelenburg position, and the horizontal position. 4.The patient support of claim 1, wherein the mattress is a modulardesign.
 5. The patient support of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofbladders are further configured to raise a leg section of the patient.6. The patient support of claim 1, wherein the frame is moveable betweena raised position and a lowered position relative to the floor.
 7. Apatient support comprising: a frame; a deck supported by the frame; amattress including a plurality of inflatable bladders; an inflatorconfigured to selectively inflate at least one of the plurality ofinflatable bladders; and a controller configured to control the inflatorto inflate at least one of the plurality of inflatable bladders toconfigure the mattress in one of a Trendelenburg position, aReverse-Trendelenburg position, a flat position, and a knee gatchposition.
 8. An inflatable mattress configured to support a patientcomprising: at least one inflatable cell configured to support thepatient in one of a horizontal position and a Trendelenburg position;and a controller coupled to an inflator and at least one control valve,the controller configured to receive input from a user and control theinflator and the control valve to inflate or deflate the inflatable cellto position the patient in one of the horizontal position and theTrendelenburg position.
 9. The mattress of claim 8, wherein theinflatable cell is further configured to support the patient in theReverse Trendelenburg position.
 10. The mattress of claim 8, wherein theinflatable cell is further configured to raise a patient's knees uponinflation.
 11. The mattress of claim 8, wherein the mattress is furtherconfigured to provide at least one of heel pressure relief, rotationtherapy, vibration therapy, percussion therapy, and turn assist.
 12. Amodular patient support system configured to support a patient invarious acuity environments, the system comprising: a frame; a decksupported by the frame, the only movable deck section being a headsection moveable between a raised position and a lowered positionrelative to the remainder of the deck; and a plurality of mattresses,one mattress being selected for use on the deck depending on an acuitylevel of the patient, the mattress being selected from a group ofmattresses including a first static mattress and a second mattressincluding a plurality of inflatable bladders, the bladders beingconfigured to provide selective elevation of part of the patient. 13.The modular patient support of claim 12, further comprising a hi/lomechanism coupled to the frame to move the frame between a raisedposition and a lowered position relative to the floor.
 14. The modularpatient support of claim 12, wherein the bladders are configured toprovide selective elevation of the patient's thigh.
 15. The modularpatient support of claim 12, wherein the bladders are configured toprovide selective elevation of the patient's knee.
 16. The modularpatient support system of claim 12, further comprising a third mattressincluding a plurality of inflatable bladders, the bladders beingconfigured to provide selective elevation of part of the patient and toselectively position the patient in a Trendelenburg position.
 17. Themodular patient support system of claim 16, wherein the bladders areconfigured to provide selective elevation of the patient's thigh. 18.The modular patient support system of claim 16, wherein the bladders areconfigured to provide selective elevation of the patient's knee.
 19. Themodular patient support system of claim 16, further comprising a fourthmattress including a plurality of inflatable bladders, the bladdersconfigured to provide selective elevation of part of the patient and toselectively position the patient in a Trendelenburg position and areverse Trendelenburg position.
 20. The modular patient support systemof claim 19, wherein the bladders are configured to provide selectiveelevation of the patient's thigh.
 21. The modular patient support ofclaim 19, further comprising an inflator configured to selectivelyinflate at least one of the plurality of inflatable bladders, and acontroller configured to control the inflator to inflate at least one ofthe plurality of inflatable bladders to configure the mattress in one ofa Trendelenburg position, a reverse Trendelenburg position, a flatposition, and an elevated thigh position.